Tensions escalated in southern Syria following the Israeli occupation’s attack in the village of Koya, located in the Daraa countryside. Syrian media reported that Israeli forces launched an incursion into the town, leading to clashes with local residents who attempted to defend their homes. As the confrontation unfolded, Israeli forces responded with heavy artillery shelling and airstrikes, resulting in the deaths of at least seven civilians, with the toll expected to rise due to severe injuries.
Civilians Killed in Israeli Assault on Koya
Syrian authorities condemned the attack, with the Foreign Ministry demanding an international investigation into what it described as a blatant violation of Syria’s sovereignty. Reports indicate that Israeli forces attempted to infiltrate the village, leading to resistance from residents. This prompted a military response that included tank, artillery, and drone strikes, forcing hundreds of families to flee their homes.
The assault on Koya is part of a broader pattern of Israeli airstrikes and military actions in Syria. In recent months, Israel has ramped up its operations, citing security concerns, with frequent attacks targeting Syrian military sites, infrastructure, and residential areas. The occupation of the Golan Heights since 1967 and Israel’s ongoing military actions in Syria have led to widespread displacement and casualties among civilians.
International Outrage & Calls for Action
The attack on Koya has drawn widespread condemnation from international organizations and governments. The Muslim World League, along with Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar, strongly denounced the Israeli aggression. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry called for “firm and serious international action” to hold Israel accountable for its repeated violations. Qatar described the attack as a “dangerous escalation” that risks igniting further conflict in the region.
Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the Israeli operation, calling it a “flagrant violation of international law.” Officials warned that continued aggression in southern Syria could lead to greater instability in the region.
On a broader scale, the A3+ group of African nations within the UN Security Council, led by Algeria, called for an end to Israeli attacks and reaffirmed their commitment to Syria’s sovereignty. Algerian UN Ambassador Amar Benjamaa condemned Israel’s actions and expressed concern over statements suggesting the establishment of a “demilitarized zone” in southern Syria. He reiterated the importance of respecting the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, which has been increasingly ignored in recent military actions.
The Gulf Cooperation Council echoed these sentiments, urging the international community to pressure Israel into halting its military incursions. Secretary-General Jassim Muhammad al-Badawi warned that Syria’s security is vital for regional stability, calling for an end to all foreign interference in the country.
At the UN, multiple nations, including France, China, and Russia, demanded that Israel withdraw from occupied Syrian territories. China’s UN delegate condemned the raids and emphasized that Israel must cease its military operations in Syria immediately. Russia’s representative also insisted that Israel’s presence in the region violates international law and called for an urgent withdrawal.
Israeli Justification
Israeli officials have defended their military actions, claiming they are necessary for security purposes. Israel’s Chargé d’Affaires to Russia, Alexander Ben-Zvi, stated that recent operations were aimed at preventing Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed groups from gaining a stronger foothold in Syria.
“Regardless of the source of the threats, whether they are Shiite militias or Iranian groups, Israel will do everything in its power to ensure its national security,” Ben-Zvi told Russian media. He also confirmed that Israel had conducted targeted operations against weapons shipments bound for Hezbollah but denied any plans for a broader invasion of Syria.
Despite these claims, Israel’s military operations in Syria have drawn increasing scrutiny. Human rights groups and international organizations continue to document the toll on civilians, warning that such actions violate international law and exacerbate regional instability.
With global condemnation mounting, Syria has called for immediate action to hold Israel accountable for its ongoing attacks. The situation in Koya is the latest in the growing volatility in the region.
